The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth award, which represents the UN’s highest environmental honor. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on leaders, organizations, and government entities worldwide that are driving efforts to protect and restore ocean health, including work in pollution prevention, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economies. Candidates may be nominated in four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. While the award provides global recognition and a platform to scale environmental solutions rather than a direct cash grant, it serves as a transformative career and organizational milestone. The deadline for nominations is 15 April 2026. UN Champions of the Earth
awards/prizes
Toilet Board Coalition — Virtual Program
The Toilet Board Coalition invites applications for its Accelerator Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises developing sanitation and hygiene solutions. The program provides business mentorship, strategic coaching, and access to a network of investors to help businesses scale their impact in the circular sanitation economy. Eligible applicants must be registered for-profit SMEs operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or Southeast Asia. While the program does not provide direct grant funding, it facilitates connections to potential investors and partners to help secure financing. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Know more
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Young Innovators Award 2026
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites young entrepreneurs and researchers to apply for its 2026 Young Innovators Award. The program recognizes outstanding digital and technological solutions that address sustainability challenges in the Mediterranean region, particularly in the fields of water management, sustainable farming, and the agrifood value chain. Eligible applicants must be under 35 years old and be citizens or residents of a PRIMA participating country, which includes various nations across the European Union and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The award provides a financial prize of €10 thousand to the winner in each category to support the further development or scaling of their innovation. The application deadline is 22 May 2026. Young Innovators Award
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Graduate Researchers Award 2026
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites nominations for its annual award recognizing master’s and PhD students who use biodiversity data in innovative research. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program and be citizens of a GBIF participant country or studying at an institution within one. The program provides two prizes of €5,000 each for research that demonstrates discovery in biodiversity informatics, such as taxonomy, ecology, or biogeography. The final deadline to submit nominations is 29 May 2026. Graduate Researchers Award
Photography 4 Humanity — Photography Competition
Photography 4 Humanity invites amateur and professional photographers worldwide to submit images for its 2026 Global Prize. This year’s theme, “HOME,” asks artists to explore concepts of safety, belonging, and identity in a world shaped by climate change and displacement. The competition is open to individuals at least 18 years of age, and entrants may submit up to five photographs taken within the last three years. The Global Prize recipient receives a US$5 thousand cash award, and their work will be exhibited at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Human Rights Day. The deadline for submissions is 12 July 2026. Photography 4 Humanity
Stockholm International Water Institute — Stockholm Water Prize 2027
The Stockholm Water Prize is awarded annually for outstanding achievements supporting the availability, conservation, and protection of the world’s water resources. The award is open to individuals and organizations of any nationality whose work contributes broadly to the conservation and protection of water resources. The Stockholm Water Prize consists of an award of US$150 thousand and a crystal sculpture. The deadline for nominations is 15 September 2026. Nominate
Village Capital — Reshaping Food LATAM
Village Capital supports startups tackling food loss and waste across Latin America. The 2026 program specifically targets eight early-stage startups using data and AI to optimize food distribution, prevent loss in production, or empower consumers to reduce waste. Eligible applicants must be legally incorporated as for-profit entities in at least one Latin American country. While the primary value of the program lies in intensive investment-readiness training, mentorship, and access to a Mexico City summit, participants also receive milestone-based funding, which in previous cycles has been approximately US$4,400 per startup. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is 27 March 2026. Link
Egis Foundation — Climate Challenge
The Egis Foundation invites applications for the Team Up for Climate challenge to develop innovative solutions for climate change adaptation and resilience. This global competition is open to teams of two to five members consisting of current students or recent graduates from any country and academic discipline. Participants must propose an actionable project focused on a specific local area they know well. The first-place team receives €4,000 plus a €5,000 boost prize after six months of development and a study trip to Paris, while second and third-place winners receive €3,000 and €2,000 respectively in total funding. The deadline for applications is 28 March 2026. Climate Challenge
Logitech — Future Positive Challenge 2026
Logitech invites applications for the Future Positive Challenge to identify next-generation solutions for sustainable consumer electronics. The program seeks startups and scaling companies with innovative technologies in printed electronics, battery alternatives, advanced thermal materials, and sustainable packaging. Eligible applicants must have a working prototype or a solution ready for market integration globally. Winners may receive a share of a US$500 thousand prize pool to support further development and potential commercial partnership with Logitech. The deadline for applications is 07 April 2026. Future Positive Challenge
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards — Wildlife Photography Competition
The competition celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and highlights what we need to do to protect it through funny animal pictures. The competition is open to wildlife photography novices, amateurs, and professionals. Winners receive prizes (no cash awards). The deadline for entries is 30 June 2026. Comedy Wildlife